Alf’s Buccaneers Eye on the Draft: Maxwell Hairston, DB, Kentucky

The 2025 NFL Draft is getting closer, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be looking for a high-impact reinforcement for their secondary. In this installment of “Alf’s Buccaneers Eye on the Draft”, we analyze Kentucky Defensive Back Maxwell Hairston.

Who is Maxwell Hairston?

Maxwell Hairston exploded into the SEC in 2023 as one of the biggest defensive surprises, with five interceptions and two pick-sixes . His ability to read plays and react in the zone makes him a pure playmaker , and he was named Second-Team All-SEC .

His game is characterized by instincts, quick reactions, and ball skills , making him ideal for zone-based defensive schemes. If a team is looking for a cornerback who can intelligently intercept and break routes , Hairston is an unbeatable option.

Maxwell Hairston’s Strengths

• Elite ball skills: instinct, hands, and anticipation
• Explosiveness and top-end speed
• Hip fluidity and reaction in short spaces
• Ability to play both off and in press coverage
• Defensive IQ for reading concepts and routes
• Ability to align at different pre-snap depths

Maxwell Hairston on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could offer a different profile than current corners, especially in nickel or dime packages , where his vision and reading skills would allow for turnovers on key third downs.

Aspects to improve

The big challenge for Hairston is to improve his press-man coverage . He tends to open his hips very early, allowing receivers to gain space and separate quickly on fast routes. With technical work and NFL reps, he can polish this weakness.

He also needs to physically strengthen his frame to deal with more physical receivers, especially in red zone situations.

Would Maxwell Hairston be a good fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Maxwell Hairston on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a perfect fit if Todd Bowles decides to bolster the secondary with a cornerback who creates turnovers and plays with instinct in zone schemes.

Additionally, Hairston could compete from day one for the CB3 or nickelback role , a position where the Bucs have struggled. His ability to produce big plays could make him a valuable wild card on an aggressive defense.

NFL Comparison: Donte Jackson

Like Jackson, Hairston has a lighter build, but he makes up for it with explosiveness, game-reading, and playmaking . He’s a corner who thrives on stealing balls and changing the course of a game with a single play.

Conclusion: Is Maxwell Hairston a real option for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Definitely. If the Bucs want to add a dynamic playmaker to their secondary without spending a first-round pick, Maxwell Hairston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a strategic pick, with an impact from Year 1.